THE MOUNTAIN ECHO
September 2020
MOUNT BAKER COUNCIL STEPS TO SUSTAINABILITY
On August 31, 2020 Steven Davis, Council President, and Kevin Nichols, Council Scout Executive, sent a message discussing the necessary steps being taken for the sustainability of the Mount Baker Council. We encourage everyone to read the full announcement discussing the specific measures being taken and the ways you can help to keep the Council strong and active.

Message Summary:

Between COVID-19, the loss of jobs, and civil and political unrest, the challenges faced by all this year have been unprecedented. As a small organization, the Mount Baker Council has felt the impact of this turmoil. Despite these conditions, our ability to remain nimble and the help of our amazing volunteers and the leadership from our board, we believe in our ability to recover and create stronger programs for the youth and the communities we serve.

We’re thankful to our Scouting from Home, Safe Start to Summer Camp committees, and our unit leaders that have been working to find creative ways to keep scouting programs available for our youth. As we head into the fall, it is imperative that we continue this work and more, so that we may continue keeping our youth engaged and involved. The Scouting program is too important to put on pause.

The shelter in-place orders were issued right in the middle of our program year, canceling in-person events, training, fundraisers, and canceling Fire Mountain Scout Camp. The loss of these events impacted not only our programs but significantly interrupted key fundraisers vital to our successful operation.

It is a financial tenant of our organization to deliver a balanced budget that meets our program needs. Furthermore, we are committed to maintaining this core principal during the pandemic. As a result, and for the sustainability of the Mount Baker Council and the youth we serve, there are several areas on which we are focusing to ensure our budget continues to drive the much-needed program for our youth.

The Council board and staff have been working hard these past few months to exhaust all available relief resources, to obtain grants and donations, and to drastically revise our budget while still keeping core program services at the forefront. We have received generous one-time donations including a major gift from Janicki Industries and matching capstone grant from the Nysether Foundation. Unfortunately, even with these plans in place, our forecast indicates expenses will outpace revenue.

As a result, the Mount Baker Council Volunteer Executive Board approved a reduced spending budget for the remainder of 2020. We’ve already implemented difficult cost-cutting measures and more reductions in our expenditures will be implemented over the remaining months. Effective immediately (September 1st), the Council will be embarking on a new pathway to balance our operating budget, including:

  • Reducing our employee compensation and benefits budget through staff restructuring and furlough days.
  • Reducing fixed and variable expenses through a Service Center facility closure until further notice and limiting other facility operating costs.

These decisions are not easy, but are critically necessary to ensure the short and long-term health of our council, our programs, and our service of our Scouting members.

How can you help us deliver the mission of Scouting and ensure a fiscally strong and independent council in 2020 and beyond?

  • Ensure that your unit and Scouts participate in meetings and activities, even if that’s virtual.
  • Ask your Scouts to invite a friend to join Scouting this Fall.
  • Host an online merit badge course.
  • Have your Scouts help earn unit program funds by selling popcorn online.
  • Attend the virtual auction on Saturday, October 3 and invite friends and family to join.
  • Attend a virtual community Good Scout Breakfast or Luncheon scheduled for the fall.
  • Participate in the Pull for Scouting Clay shoot in November.
  • Purchase a patch, or the entire set, with the Strictly Business campaign.

While the changes outlined are drastic and difficult to make we know that the Council as a whole will pull together and continue to provide the services and programs vital to the youth of our communities. This is a call to every adult volunteer to actively participate in ways to ensure the sustainability of Scouting and our Council in the present and for the future. We have an amazing opportunity to strengthen our organization during this crisis but cannot do so without your support.

Thank you for all you have done for Scouting in the past; thank you for all that you are doing for a Scout today; but most of all, thank you for all the good you will do in the future for the new Scouts and families that have yet to join our great movement. Scout On!

Prepared. To Serve!

Steven Davis
Council President

Kevin Nichols
Scout Executive

Staff Reduction – Effective 9/1/20

It was with regret that the Mount Baker Council had to reduce our staff positions, effective September 1st, due to budgetary constraints, mostly as the result of lower than expected revenues due to the current pandemic; challenges experienced by all. While staff reductions are difficult, the Council is committed to being good fiscal stewards of our funds and living within our means. 

As Scout Executive, I want to acknowledge these released individuals for their dedication and tireless effort on behalf of the Scouts and units we serve daily. They include:

Full-Time Positions
  • Jose Rodriguez, Salish Sea District Executive – 3 years in position
  • Carol Stobbe, Everett Service Center Trading Post Manager - 19 years in position

Part-Time Positions
  • Jeanette Clark, Bellingham Service Center Trading Post Salesclerk - 12 years in position
  • Vangie Visocky, Everett Service Center Trading Post Salesclerk - 4 years in position

I know that each of their fellow staff members, friends and the volunteers will join me in wishing them the best in the future.

By: Kevin Nichols, Scout Executive
BE A SCOUT DAY
September 12, 2020
Hosted on Facebook Live
Have a friend interested in joining Cub Scouts? Be sure to invite them to our Be A Scout Day and share the adventure together.
Be A Scout Day is hosted by the Mount Baker Council in conjunction with the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America’s Family Fun Fest. While Family Fun Fest should give you and your family a glimpse of the fun and adventure that Scouting offers, Be A Scout Day adds to these activities with some of our own local Pacific Northwest Scouting flavor so that you have a better idea of what Scouting is like her in the Mount Baker Council.

Visit our Be A Scout Day page to register and for more information.
This is your chance to learn what Scouting is all about!
This very special online-only free event will be jam-packed with a sampling of the fun things Cub Scouts across the country do day in and day out. We’ll be going big with all things Pinewood Derby, because hey, it’s kind of our thing! But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. From astronauts to crafts and even a few special surprises it’ll be the most fun your family will have online all summer. 
Scouting is always more fun with friends, so be sure to spread the word about Family Fun Fest on September 12th!


MEMBERSHIP
By: Denise Lesniak SR VP Membership

September is here, already!?!? What type of summer adventures did your Cub Scouts have? How creative were your den meetings, pack meetings and crossovers? I have seen so many social media posts and pictures of fantastic ways our units are keeping scouts, scouting. Now it’s time to show it off as you host your Join Night/s and recruit new scouting families into our units.

If you are asking “how do I do this,” resources are available that cover just about everything you can think of. Start by checking out the Membership Tab at Mount Baker Council’s website. Click on the Recruitment Resources and you will find our fall recruiting webinar explaining the seamless set up for a traditional Join Night. Looking for resources to help with virtual recruiting? Check out the S’MORES Membership Club. This is a series of mini webinars geared towards preparing for and adapting to a virtual Join Night and recruiting season. All past webinars are available to view as well as the upcoming sessions to join live.

Get your unit involved in Mount Baker Council’s BE A SCOUT DAY on September 12. We will be hosting and posting links to live events in conjunction with National BSA’s Family Fun Fest. Plan a live open house or pack introduction by providing your unit’s meeting link and time during our Be A Scout Day. We will send out our schedule of events and links for new scouting families to check them out. BSA’s event is national and our event brings it local to the Pacific Northwest and our amazing units. This is a great way to promote and recruit for your unit with minimal effort and maximum exposure. Sign up at http://www.mountbakerbsa.org/beascout/ today and be a part of BE A SCOUT DAY! 


S = Supervision
Understand local and state guidance on preventing COVID-19 exposure. Engage your chartered organization and local council on necessary adjustments.
Conduct the “before you gather” protocols.

A = Assessment
Identify participants who fall under the CDC’s group of higher-risk individuals.
Notify all participants about the risks of participating since COVID-19 exposure cannot be eliminated.
Verify that the planned activity, gathering or group sizes are not prohibited by local or state orders.

F = Fitness and Skill
Review Annual Health and Medical Records and consider using a pre-event screening for all participants.

E = Equipment and Environment
Verify that hand washing, hygiene and cleaning supplies are available and used properly.
Monitor social distancing, interactions and sharing of equipment and food among participants.
Monitor participants for changing health conditions.
Use the “as you gather” protocols.

For more details on the Restart Scouting Checklist and a downloadable copy, click the following link: https://www.mountbakerbsa.org/restarting-scouting/
POPCORN
Popcorn sales are happening right now!

So far our Scouts have done a terrific job using Online Direct, taking advantage of the free shipping promotions, and selling safely to friends, family, and neighbors.

This year, in addition to the prizes offered by Trail's End, the Council is offering both Unit and Scout incentives. Scouts have the opportunity to earn a lock-in party or a trip to Great Wolf Lodge!

Be sure to visit our Council popcorn page for resources and information.
Sasquatch Search and Rescue Popcorn Team
Join the Sasquatch Search and Rescue Popcorn Team. Earn prizes, set goals, get support, and have fun. Members of the Sasquatch Search and Rescue Team will meet weekly to discuss progress and receive specialized instructions. Minimum sales goal of $3,000 (more is great!) is required to be part of the team. Interested Scouts and parents should attend the meeting.

Friday, September 4, 2020
7:00 PM

UPDATED NATIONAL BSA MEMBERSHIP
& COUNCIL ACTIVITY FEE STRUCTURE
Starting January 1st, 2021, the Mount Baker Council, BSA will implement an annual council activity fee. This fee will be in addition to the BSA membership fee that will begin on August 1st, 2020.

Families today have many options, but only Scouting provides a safe and fun atmosphere where a kid can be a kid all while preparing them to become an even better adult. As we look forwards to the future of Scouting, the Mount Baker Council is committed to providing a safe and cost-effective Scouting experience to all youth.

AROUND THE COUNCIL
The 2020 Strictly Business
Scout Auction

Save the Date
Saturday, October 3, 2020

Online. Stay tuned for registration info
We invite individual and business support for local Scouting by donating to either our Live Auction or to our Silent Auction. 

  • Live auction items are valued from $500 up to $5,000
  • Silent auction items range from $50 to $499.

Supporters may wish to promote their business by placing a $300 full-page ad or a $150 business card sized ad in our auction catalog.
2020 Pull for Scouting
Shooting Clays Classic
NEW DATE
Friday, November 27, 2020

Granite Falls Sportmen's Club
The Mount Baker Council invites you to enjoy a rare opportunity to shoot a specially designed sporting clays course at Granite Falls Sportsman’s Club in Granite Falls, WA. Shooters will enjoy a day of friendly competition, prizes, shooting games, raffles, and BBQ lunch.
Have you joined the Million Minute Challenge?

Scouts, adults, and family members from around the Council are participating in the Million Minute Challenge. The Mount Baker Council Scouts's and families are working to log 1 Million Minutes of Service to the community. Log you minutes at: https://247scouting.com/forms/?OrgKey=BSA606&id=1555

The top 3 Units (hours per capita) will receive a free weekend of camping at Fire Mountain that can be used as soon as this type of activity is allowed at Camp.
CAMP ACTIVITIES
Winter Camping Seminar
Seminar: Saturday, February 6, 2021
Field Trip: February 20-21, 2021

Come spend an exciting and memorable weekend in the snow with us! Learn how to build a snow structure and stay warm. Learn to identify dangerous avalanche conditions and how to avoid them. Learn basic winter survival skills and first aid. The seminar
addresses all aspects of winter camping and outdoor travel in a condensed classroom session that assumes basic backpacking knowledge and builds on that for a fun and safe experience in the Winter.


Household Camping @ Fire Mountain Scout Camp!
Even as summer comes to an end, we know that camping season is continuing strong!

While we were unable to operate our traditional resident camp, we can still welcome limited camping at Fire Mountain under state and county guidelines.

With Skagit County currently in Phase 2 of the Safe Start plan, Fire Mountain can offer campsite rentals to household groups OR groups of up to 5 individuals. While sites vary, the average cost of a weekend at camp is only $65. This fee includes access to bathrooms and showers, firewood, and one of the premier Scout camping facilities in the country.



Webelos-REE
October 3, 2020

October 3, 2020

Watch for more information
UPDATES
Fire Mountain Scout Camp Store
Now you can buy all your favorite, and soon to be favorite, Fire Mountain Scout Camp items online.

Need a Fire Mountain Water Bottle? We've got it!

Sunglasses - Face Masks - Plushies - Hats and More. All online.

The last day to earn the Scouting At Home award was August 31, 2020. Call the Council office at 425.338.0380 or email MBCTradingPost@scouting.org to order patches

The last day to order is
September 10, 2020.
COVID-19 FAQ Updates
The National Council of the Boy Scouts of America has recently updated their FAQ document about how to keep Scouting throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some new highlights include:

Swimming for Rank Advancement
Camping Merit Badge Adjustments


MESSAGE FROM THE KEY 3
COVID 19 Update
To Our Scouting Family and Friends,

If there is one positive from this pandemic that we can learn from, it’s that under the face of adversity, Scouting has found a way to keep Scouts connected, resilient, and innovative. COVID-19 has challenged each of us as families, volunteers, and staff to find new ways to deliver the life changing experiences and the life lessons our Scouts have come to expect in environments where they can thrive, learn, and have fun.

There is little doubt that change is hard. Most don’t deal with change easily. Every day, the Mount Baker Council is called upon to make course corrections in how we serve families and units. Our top priority remains the safety of our members and helping to stop the spread of this virus in the community. We are very proud of the work our unit leaders and program staff have done to ensure a safe place to give kids the chance to enjoy Scout programs. Thank you to all our leaders for making this possible.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Keynote Speaker – Bob Donegan
President / CEO, Ivar’s Restaurant
2020 Snohomish County Good Scout Lunch
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
The Program will begin at 12:00 PM
Bob Donegan helps manage Ivar’s, Seattle’s Original Seafood Restaurant.

He joined the company in 1997 as the Chief Fin Officer and was asked by his partners to take over as the president when one of his partners died on 9-11. The Company has grown steadily since then, owing to a seasoned management team whose average tenure exceeds 20 years.

Chief Kevin O'Brien
Good Scout Honoree
East Snohomish County Good Scout Virtual Lunch
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Kevin O’Brien is the Fire Chief for Snohomish County Fire District 7 where he works with an amazing group of emergency responders. In 2019, Chief O’Brien worked with his team to successfully bring together a merger between Snohomish County Fire District 7 and Lake Stevens Fire to provide a high level of emergency services to the community

Southeast Snohomish County Good Scout Virtual Lunch
Friday, October 23, 2020
Dr. Jared Anderson has a Family/Sports Medicine Practice at the Everett Clinic. He attended BYU for his undergraduate studies before pursuing his Medical Degree at The Ohio State University. He was recognized by Seattle Met Magazine as the “Top Doc” in Sports Medicine.

Dr. Jared Anderson
Good Scout Honoree
SAFETY MOMENT: CERTIFICATES OF INSURANCE
Summary: Have you ever been told that your insurance is dependent upon wearing your field uniform (which is a myth, by the way)? Well, get ready, because we’re going to talk about what types of insurance coverage are available and where to find more information on coverage for Scouts, registered volunteer Scouters, and chartered organizations involved in official Scouting activities.


TRAINING
New COVID Training Policy

If we are not in a phase that can facilitate the in-person training 30 days before the in-person training event (Phase 2: 5 people total; Phase 3: 10 people total; Phase 4: 50 total) which includes staff, the Council will cancel the event.
Upcoming Training Dates
November 14, 2020 and November 21, 2020
Must attend both sessions to become certified

February 6, 2021 and February 20-21, 2021

September 11-12, 2020 - CANCELED

September 11-12, 2020 - CANCELED

September 25-27 and October 23-25
POSTPONED until Spring 2021 (exact dates TBD)

Three Steps to Becoming a Trained Leader
DISTRICT CALENDARS




Service Center Closures: September 4th, September 11th, September 25th
The Mount Baker Council is looking for people to join their Marketing and Communication team. If you're interested in being a part of the team contact us at mountbakercouncil@gmail.com.